Volkswagen Golf IV Variant 1.9 SDI (68 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.7 / 10
Safety 4.0 / 5
Engine 3.8 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.5 / 5
Comfort 4.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Volkswagen Golf:

The Volkswagen Golf is a compact car/small family car produced by the German automotive manufacturer Volkswagen since 1974, marketed worldwide across eight generations, in various body configurations and under various nameplates – including as the Volkswagen Rabbit in the United States and Canada , and as the Volkswagen Caribe in Mexico. Historically, the Golf is Volkswagen's best-selling model and is among the world's top three best-selling nameplates, with more than 35 million units sold as of 2019....(Read more on Wikipedia)

IV Variant Overview:

Volkswagen Golf (IV Variant). With 133 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~7 l/100km). Weighing only 1280 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 18 s). The top speed reaches 160 km/h. A car with an extended rear cargo area, combining passenger comfort with increased storage. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

1.9 SDI (68 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

Extremely slow and lacks any real punch, requiring patience. Best suited for purely urban environments.

Fuel Economy

Outstanding fuel economy due to its simplicity and lack of turbo, making it incredibly cheap to run.

Best Use Case: City driving

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Excellent build quality and durable interior materials.
  • • Wide range of efficient and powerful TDI diesel engines.
  • • Practical and spacious estate body style.
  • • Comfortable ride quality and stable handling.
  • • Availability of 4motion all-wheel-drive on several trims.

Cons:

  • • Some petrol engines can feel underpowered or thirsty.
  • • Aging design and technology compared to newer rivals.
  • • Potential for rust on older models if not maintained.
  • • Automatic transmissions can be less refined and less economical.
  • • Certain engine variants (e.g., early FSI) may have specific maintenance considerations.

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(IV Cabrio: April, 1998 - October, 2000).

General:
Brand:Volkswagen
Model:Golf
Generation:IV Variant
Modification (Engine):1.9 SDI (68 Hp)
Start of production:April, 1999
End of production:May, 2006
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Station wagon (estate)
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:68 Hp @ 4200 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:35.9 Hp/l [316mm more]
Torque:133 Nm @ 2200 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:AGP, AQM More details about the engine AGP, AQM
Engine displacement:1896
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Direct injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:OHC
Engine oil capacity:4.5 l
Coolant:6 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:79.5 mm mm
Piston Stroke:95.5 mm mm
Compression ratio:19:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Diesel
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:7 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:4.3 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:18 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:18 sec
Maximum speed:160 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:18.8 kg/Hp, 53.1 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:9.6 kg/Nm, 103.9 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:17.1 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1280
Max. weight:1815
Max load:535
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1470 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:460 l
Fuel tank capacity:55 l
Size:
Length:4397 mm mm [316mm more]
Width:1735 mm mm [40mm more]
Height:1485 mm mm [60mm more]
Wheelbase:2515 mm mm [43mm more]
Front track:1513 mm
Rear (Back) track:1494 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesDisc
Rear brakesDisc
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size195/65 R15
Wheel rims size15
Front suspensionCoil spring
Rear suspensionSuspension with traction connecting levers

Behind the wheel of the Volkswagen Golf. How does it handle on the road?